Was lucky enough to get the use of a Quartz XJ8 Super for a trip between Santa Barbara and Monterey and back. Man, am I sold.

Power: Yipes. Pulls like a catapult shot. More like "shoves". Within a block of driving, I was muttering to myself "This is ridiculous." Tip in from a standstill was a little abrupt, but overall, I couldn't imagine bettering this V-8. Whine reminds you of the supercharger.

Handling: Jag. I come from a BMW 850, so anything is bound to handle better around town. This thing just glides. You really do feel the difference in weight. On-center steering is perfect, and turn in is linear and predictable. Coming from a MacPherson strut, you can instantly grasp the differences with a proper double A-arm setup. My brother was in the car and remarked "I know that bump we just hit should have make this thing go 'thunk', but it just ate it." Air suspension worked perfectly. Brakes will stop anything.

Styling: You <b>do</b> look back when you walk away. Nuff said.

Interior: I was expecting an overwhelming leather smell, but it just ain't there. Too bad. Seats were comfy, and well bolstered about the sholders. Seat bottom is too soft, and I sank down a bit. Not like the German designs. Instruments were fine, wheel adjustments good, and pedal adjustments are a great idea. Interior fit and finish was perfect. Switches were a bit plasticky, but they worked fine. HVAC system is perfect. J-gate shifter has to go - imprecise downshifting. Needs a tiptronic with a manual side gate. Didn't really use the radio since I wanted to hear the engine. Ditto nav system. Back seat is huge.

Overall: The Brits know how to have <b>fun</b> in a car. Actually laughed out loud blasting down an onramp at over 100 MPH. Can't say I'd do that in a German sedan.

<img src="http://www.fibersonde.com/e31/images/buck.jpg" alt="I mean, if he's really sharp, he can barrel that baby in so low, you oughtta see it sometime, it's a sight! A big plane like a '52. VRROOM! There's jet exhaust, fryin' chickens in the barnyard.">

Paul

04-30-2005, 04:02 PM

The Nav system is the most user friendly of any car I've used.

B7series

05-02-2005, 01:51 AM

I second your remarks regarding the NAV. Can you imagine how easy it is to go from the East Coast to the West Coast just by using your index finger. Amazing. And the CDC screen is just as clear and easy to use as it is to marvel at.